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Loving the Big Blue Bear

The Heart of Denver Romance Writers logo - can you see the bear?
The Heart of Denver Romance Writers logo – can you see the bear?

I found out this week that I am a finalist in the Aspen Gold Readers’ Choice Awards, run by the Heart of Denver Romance Writers.

I am thrilled for two reasons.

First, it really is an honour to be included on a shortlist that includes so many fine writers

And secondly, because I have been to Denver- where I fell in love with a big blue bear.

This is the bear in question.

He is peering in through the glass wall of the Convention Centre
He is peering in through the glass wall of the Convention Centre

He’s actually called ‘I See What You Mean’ – but everyone calls him the big blue bear. Big because he’s 40 ft high. And blue – for obvious reasons.

He has his nose and paws up against the glass at about the third storey of the building and is peering inside.

The work of artist Lawrence Argent, he is, quite simply, wonderful and remains my enduring image of the city.

He's so big - I wasn't even able to hug his leg.
He’s so big – I wasn’t even able to hug his leg.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to visit Denver for the awards ceremony. I’ll be in the Cotswolds, leading a writing retreat.

Keep your fingers crossed for me – and as for the bear – I did promise him I would return. Maybe I can keep that promise another year.

I wasn't able to go inside the Convention Centre - but this New York Times image shows how the bear looks from inside.
I wasn’t able to go inside the Convention Centre – but this New York Times image shows how the bear looks from inside.